Chopstick Challenge Triumph: HabCenter Raises Over $36,000 at Boca Festival Days, Empowering Neurodiverse Futures
Boca Raton, FL (August 25, 2025) — It was a chop-tastic evening at the HabCenter’s Chopstick Challenge, part of the 48th annual Boca Chamber Festival Days. More than 180 guests came together at the Wyndham Boca Raton for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and community support—all to benefit HabCenter’s mission of empowering individuals with developmental differences and mental health challenges.
The event, hosted in partnership with Wyndham Boca Raton, Red Pine Restaurant & Bar, and Farmer’s Table, raised over $36,000 in sponsorships, tickets sales, plants, honey, accessories, donations, and in-kind gifts. Proceeds will support programs that provide vocational training, social skill development, and employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.
Distinguished Guests & Community Leaders
The evening drew a wide range of community leaders and elected officials, including Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, Boca Raton Vice Mayor Fran Nachlas, Boca Raton Council Member and CRA Chairman Marc Widger, and former Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth. Members of the HabCenter Board of Directors, Boca Chamber leadership, and civic organizations such as the Coral Springs Rotary and the Kiwanis Club of Boca also joined in the celebration.
Recognitions & Highlights
The highlight of the evening was honoring Barbara Cambia with HabCenter’s Lifetime Service Award for nearly two decades of extraordinary dedication and leadership. Barbara also chaired the event committee, working alongside Emily Grabelsky, HabCenter Chair Mindy Shikiar, Phillip DiPonio, and others to bring the Chopstick Challenge to life.
The crowd cheered as Amy Kemp (FPL) claimed victory in the lively Chopstick Challenge, competing against “Chopstick Jockeys” Clara Bennett (Boca Raton Airport), Bob Tucker (Boca Raton Police Foundation), Brian Altschuler (Boca Raton Regional Hospital), Cesar Santalo (Lynn University), and Christiana Lilly (Boca Raton Magazine). The competition was emceed by Alex Price (Mission Impact Strategies) with judging by Vice Mayor Fran Nachlas, creating a fun and spirited atmosphere.
A Purposeful Celebration
“This event is about more than fun—it’s about purpose,” said Sherry A. Henry, HabCenter CEO. “Purpose is the driving force that gives our lives meaning and direction. Together, we are creating opportunities for individuals with developmental differences to thrive with dignity and independence.”
Gratitude & Community Impact
HabCenter extends its deepest gratitude to event partners Wyndham Boca Raton, Red Pine Restaurant & Bar, and Farmer’s Table, as well as Phillip DiPonio,
Stephanie Hicks, Chef Chi Chan, Chasity Navarro, and the entire event team whose support made the evening a resounding success.
The Chopstick Challenge was proudly presented as part of Boca Chamber Festival Days, a month-long series of community events pairing for-profit and nonprofit Chamber members to raise funds and awareness for important causes.
About the HabCenter:
HabCenter Boca Raton is a nonprofit organization that opened its doors in 1978 to equip adults with special needs with the knowledge, skills, and behavior needed to lead useful and productive lives with dignity, respect, and independence. HabCenter provides a safe, enriching environment to empower the spirit of those individuals it serves and encourage their unlimited potential. Essential programs the HabCenter offers are Social Services, and mental-wellness counseling, Developmental Training, Programs in Education, Art and Recreation (P.E.A.R.), and Vocational Training within HabCo Manufacturing and the HabCenter Plant Nursery that provide horticultural training. HabCenter also offers local businesses and universities partnership opportunities through HabCo Manufacturing, the Nursery and counseling, special education and occupational therapy internship programs. HabCenter also has a Supported Employment program, which provides competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for clients who can work in the community by preparing them with the knowledge, skills and behaviors they need to be successful. To learn more, visit habcenter.org.